Inner Peace!

When I first walked into this temple complex in 2011, it was love at first sight!

Totally unknown to the tourists and away from the Mahabaleshwar hustle-bustle this place had only one thing to offer me – Inner Peace!

The Krishna-Mai temple – Named after the River Krishna which flows in the valley below – is a Shiva Temple with a massive Shiva Linga worshipped inside its Sanctum. Ironically due to its name, in 2011, someone had kept a small marble idol of Lord Krishna on top of the Linga. Early in 2012, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stepped in, took charge and appointed a caretaker, Mangesh, who doubles up as a priest and keeps the temple complex clean and tidy. He also provides you good information about the temple. The Shiva Linga and other idols in the temple are worshipped each day with flowers now. The Lord Krishna idol has been shifted and the temple returned to its rightful occupant!

Now 4 years later the Temple is much cleaner – Thanks to the efforts of ASI! The water tank seen in the picture has been restored in a correct manner. The Go-Mukh (Cow’s Mouth) sprouts a spring of the River Krishna’s heavenly water – the taste of this water is out of this world! A hearty drink of this water is highly recommended!

“I have submitted sketches of stone idols to be replaced to ASI. As soon as we get funding, work will begin to restore the temple idols and carvings. Chemical work of the temple roof to avoid leakages and weed growth will also be done soon”, says an optimistic Mangesh who was eyeing me curiously when I took this photograph with a GoPro. I am very happy that Oil paint and cement have been kept away from this temple. For that I will credit the ASI!

4 years later, this is still one of the few places in the world where I can find what my soul searches desperately for – Inner Peace!!

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When you reach Mahabaleshwar, ask anyone the directions for “Shri Kshetra Mahabaleshwar”. It is recommended to have a vehicle (Cycle/Bike/Car) since the temple is a good 7-10 kms away from Mahabaleshwar Town. Once you reach the Panchganga Temple Complex, you will find a board indicating direction for “KrishnaMai”/KrishnaAai Temple”. Follow those arrows and you will reach the destination. Another failsafe technique would be to ask the flower vendors in the temple complex (I had done this the first time around!).
If all else fails, you have my number! Just give me a call!

This is one wonder. The location, the architecture. I had visited this long time back, at that time looked like it was not being cared. I was saddened to see garbage in valley which is just in front of this temple. Good to see the ASI work.

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